Lynn Walthall

Lynn is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ellen “Summer” Walthall, three daughters Morgan Sanders (Kyle Sanders) of Round Rock, TX, Casie Britt (Levi Britt) of Abilene, TX, and Jessie Walthall of Austin, TX, two granddaughters Ainsley and Merritt Sanders, and sister Shirley Johnson (Keith Johnson). He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Melba Powell and brother Benjamin Walthall.

Petty Officer Walthall faithfully and honorably served his country in the United States Navy for over 28 years. He was stationed in DeNang, Vietnam from May 1969 to March 1970 as a Dec Seaman aboard the LCU 1628. PN1 Walthall excelled in filling one of the most necessary and arduous billets within the department. His craft was tasked with carrying vitally needed cargo throughout Vietnam’s coastal and river transits and were often made under the most adverse conditions due to inclement weather and because of the actions of an aggressive enemy.

After serving two tours in Vietnam, he returned home to Midland, TX, where he completed his education at University of Texas Permian Basin and Texas Tech University, as well as serving in the United States Navy Reserves. Upon completion of his college education, he returned to the Navy as an Officer Recruiter for the duration of his career. During his outstanding career, he received 55 gold wreath rewards for distinguished recruiting. PN1 Walthall was also recognized as the Recruiter of the Year multiple times throughout his career.

Lynn will be best remembered to his friends and family as someone who enjoyed telling jokes (and pulling practical jokes), was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan, and a lover of sweets! He loved spending time with his family and his dogs. He also enjoyed going to the movies and attending auctions.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 12 from 6pm-8pm. Matt Taylor, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Lebanon, MO, will officiate the funeral service on Saturday, January 13 at 10am. Services will be held at Cook Walden Funeral Home 6100 N Lamar, Austin, TX 78752.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.

To share condolences with the family, please visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.